Nigeria Strengthens Early Childhood Development Through Primary Healthcare
Nigeria is also increasing its support for children’s development by embedding early childhood development services in primary health care, and training health workers to explain how children’s early learning is influenced by everyday interactions with them.
Caregivers who attend routine immunisation and growth monitoring sessions at the Ugbor Primary Health Care Centre, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State are also being trained on activities like talking, singing, playing and responding to babies’ cues.
A recent visit to a clinic changed Mrs Shegu Ritawaits’ perspective on everyday care. She now makes time to talk and play with her eight-month-old child during daily activities, after a health worker explained how simple interactions could support development.
The method was emphasized at a panel discussion organized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the Africa Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Abuja. Participants from six countries agreed that primary healthcare offers a valuable opportunity to engage pregnant women, caregivers, infants and young children with nurturing care.
Nurturing care encompasses health, nutrition, responsive care, early learning and child protection, all of which have an impact on children’s cognitive, language, motor, social and emotional development.
The developmental support is also being shown in Osun State, where it is being integrated into health services. A collaboration between Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has educated 278 health workers at the frontline and enhanced referral systems for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Baby Ubuntu and other caregiver groups are also offering families peer support and practical advice.
The initiatives emphasize the need to identify developmental needs early and to assist families to provide children with the care, stimulation and protection necessary for them to thrive.
